Page 18 of To Hate You

“No. I um...I should probably head home.”

He settled back in his chair as I placed my phone in my handbag. “How far along are you?”

I froze. “What do you mean?”

“I know you’re pregnant, Sienna.”

My eyes widened, and I instinctively reached for my cup, but it was empty, and I had to place it down again, looking everywhere but at him.

“I won’t tell anyone.”

I braved a glance at him while my brain screamed at me to deny it, but the kindness in his eyes, the way he looked at me without judgment, I knew it would be no use.

I swallowed, but my throat felt like sandpaper. “How did you—”

“I suspected when you asked for a soda at my party the other night. You ordering decaf today confirmed it.”

“So, simply because I asked for a soda and drink decaf coffee, you assume I’m pregnant?”

“That, and the fact that you touch your stomach every ten minutes without even noticing that you’re doing it.”

My cheeks burned, and I looked down at my hand as I nervously toyed with the paper napkin. There were so many things I could say, yet I couldn’t think of a single one.

“Listen.” Andrew reached for my hand, his thumb gently brushing across my skin. “You don’t have to tell me anything. It’s none of my business. But I want you to know that I’m here for you, and I want to help...if you need me to.”

His words dripped with compassion; his irises soft with sincerity. I’d be a liar if I said his words didn’t warm my chest and thaw the ice in my veins. It felt good knowing that he’d be there for me if I needed him, especially after the drama that unfolded with Spencer earlier.

I glanced at our hands, suddenly hyperaware of his touch that somehow reflected the tenderness he exuded toward me. It was comforting, but it wasn’t right simply because it wasn’t Noah.

I removed my hand from his and tucked a curl behind my ear so it wouldn’t be that obvious. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”

“I’m serious, Sienna. If you need anything, even if it’s just a shoulder to cry on, I’m here.”

Unease slithered across my shoulders. It wasn’t him. It wasn't the fact that Andrew knew my secret causing the disquiet to stir in my chest. This was Noah’s baby, and it felt wrong talking to another guy about it. Noah should have been the one sitting across from me now. Noah should have been the man who held my hand, telling me that he’d be there for me. Noah had to be here. Not Andrew. Not any other man.

“I um...I need to go.” I grabbed my bag but then turned back to face him. “My father doesn’t know yet.”

“I won’t tell a soul.”

A half-smile was all I could muster at that point. The walls were closing in on me, and the intense aroma of freshly ground coffee beans fused with the sugary scent of freshly baked donuts had me desperate for some fresh air.

I stood and pulled on my coat. “Thanks for the coffee.”

“Sure.” He got up from his seat and smiled. “We should do this again. Soon.”

My mouth moved on its own accord when I replied, “Yeah. That’d be great.” I slipped my bag over my shoulder. “And thanks for the cake. It’s exactly what I needed.”

Andrew smiled. “Anytime.”

My thoughts raced as I walked out of the coffee shop, my legs unsteady and my palms sweaty. Silas was right. It was only a matter of time before everyone knew. It wasn’t something I could hide forever. And if it were so easy for Andrew to figure out, others would soon follow, and the whispers would start. If I didn’t want my father to find out through idle gossip, I’d have to tell him myself sooner rather than later, and the mere thought of having that conversation with him made my stomach churn.

The cold air kissed my cheeks as I stepped outside, a car alarm tearing through the bustle of people on the streets. I hugged my coat tighter and realized it was my car alarm as I made my way toward it.

“Is this your car?” An older man walked up to me, his cheeks pale and eyes wide beneath thick, grey lashes.

“Yeah. Why? Did something happen?”

“Oh, thank God.” The old man exhaled, placing a palm on his chest. “I’ve been standing out here for the last fifteen minutes trying to find the owner of this car.”

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